Birkett, C. M., University of Maryland, College Park, USA, cbirkett@umd.edu
Beckley, B. ., SGT at NASA/GSFC, Greenbelt, USA, brianb@nemo.gsfc.nasa.gov
Preaux, S. ., University of Maryland, College Park, USA, sam@atmos.umd.edu
Hofton, M. ., University of Maryland, College Park, USA, mhofton@geog.umd.edu
Bjerklie, D. ., USGS, Connecticut, USA, dmbjerkl@usgs.gov

EXPLORING THE COMBINED POTENTIAL OF RADAR AND LIDAR ALTIMETRIC DATASETS FOR INLAND WATER APPLICATIONS

Satellite radar and lidar altimetry are valuable tools in providing surface height (stage) measurements of inland water targets and hydrological-based altimetric studies have been ongoing for well over a decade. The technique has been utilized in many interdisciplinary projects seeking surface elevation for lakes, rivers and wetlands, in many cases providing new datasets for regions where traditional gauge data is lacking. Both radar and lidar techniques have advantages and limitations, with restrictions on spatial coverage, target size and stage accuracy. Here, we present the results of several studies that are examining the potential of 1) combining the Topex and Jason-1 IGDR, GDR and SDR datasets, 2) utilizing the ERS and ENVISAT data sets in singular and synergistic form, and 3) utilizing the ICESat GLAS lidar data set. Focus is on a) the ability to acquire elevation data close to lake, river bank and estuary shore-line, b) the ability to separate river channel from floodplain signal, and c) an enhancement of the acquired elevation accuracies with respect to target size and altimetric range corrections. Case studies include the Missouri river, the main branch of the Amazon river, and the Lake Powell and Mead reservoirs. A forward look at the combined abilities of synergistic nadir-pointing lidar and radar instruments, and to the potential of wide-swath radar and lidar altimetry for a number of interdisciplinary and operational projects is also discussed.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:006
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30